FAQ about SEN

• General
• Yourselves
• Your Peers
• Your Students

General

1. What does SEN mean?

   SEN stands for Special Educational Needs. It refers to an individual student's learning needs when facing academic challenges and difficulties in adjusting to the learning environment due to a disability or impairment, which can be a temporary or permanent condition.

    

2. What are direct and indirect disability discrimination?

   Direct disability discrimination means treating a person with a disability less favorably than another person without that disability, in comparable circumstances, on the ground of the disability. 

    

   Indirect disability discrimination exists when a person applies the same requirement or condition to a person with a disability as well as to another person without the disability, but the outcome is detrimental to the person with the disability and the first-mentioned person cannot show the requirement or condition to be justifiable. In such circumstances, it is unlawful to treat a person with a disability and another person without the disability in the same way. This is because in some circumstances the person with the disability cannot comply with the requirement or condition due to the disability. (From Disability Discrimination Ordinance, Code of Practice on Education, Equal Opportunity Commission)

Yourselves

1. What should I do to declare my SEN?

   You can submit the declaration form and upload supporting document(s) via SEN Online Accessibility Services System. The data collected will be handled with strict security and confidentiality and in compliance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance of Hong Kong. 
   
   Please refer to the Flow Chart for more details about the process after your declaration.

    

2. What kind of documentation do I need to provide to justify my SEN?

   You would need to provide the medical documentation of your condition or illness for the most recent three years. If you do not have the valid documentation, you can speak with SEN Support to learn about the resources for assessment arrangement.

    

3. I have a special educational need but I am concerned the self-disclosure will disadvantage me, who should I talk to?

   Please do not hesitate to contact SEN Support. Confidentiality is guaranteed within legal and ethical guidelines. We need to obtain your consent before disclosing your personal data to your authorized persons or parties. 
   
   The declaration form aims to understand and assist students with special educational needs in the University. Data obtained will be used to enhance the coordination work with different parties for providing personal and attentive on-campus services for our students. Personal data collected will be used for purposes that are consistent with the University's mission, typically in the academic, teaching, administration, and educational areas. We may also use your personal data to communicate with you regarding the services provided by SEN Support. Your data may also be summarized/aggregated/de-personalized and, in this context, used for research and analysis / statistical purposes. We will not share your personal data with any non-University party except where it is essential and under strict privacy agreement, or that it is required by law/regulation. The data collected will be handled with strict security and confidentiality and in compliance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance of Hong Kong.

    

4. I have declared my SEN and have received academic accommodations. How do I communicate my need with my faculty?

   Please consult SEN Support for assistance. Meanwhile, you will need to complete a consent form to authorize the officer to communicate with the faculty and other academic-related services regarding your accommodation plan.

    

5. I am a student with SEN and have questions about accessing the academic resources for me. What should I do?

   You are strongly encouraged to speak with SEN Support for assistance and advice on supporting you.

    

Your Peers

1. My groupmate appears to be with some kind of disability and I am concerned about him. What should I do?

   There are pamphlets about the available HKUST resources to support students with SEN. You can obtain the information from SEN Support to learn more and encourage your groupmate to reach out to the Center for assistance.

    

2. I would like to know more about SEN and have some ideas of how to create a more inclusive learning environment for my peers. Are there any opportunities for me?

   Apply to be a SENtastic Leader! Please visit here to learn more!

    

Your Students

1. My student appears to have some kind of disability and I am concerned about her. What should I do?

   Faculty and staff members are encouraged to make referrals to formalize the helping process, and facilitate documentation and liaising with the source of referral. Please check the Flow Chart for more details. SEN Support will reach out to the student concerned. 
   
   The Guidelines on Handling Students in Personal Difficulties of the Counselling and Wellness Center, Dean of Students' Office, is also a good reference for university staff and faculty to provide early intervention to assist students to overcome their personal and academic challenges.

    

2. My student self-discloses that he has SEN and requests extended time for an assignment in my class. He has not spoken with SEN Support / a counselor / his academic advisor. What should I do?

   Faculty and staff members are encouraged to make referrals to formalize the helping process and facilitate documentation and liaising with the source of referral. Please check the Flow Chart for more details. SEN Support will reach out to the student concerned.

    

3. My student shows me her academic accommodation plan and requests for implementing all of the listed items in my class. Some of them seem not applicable. Who should I talk to?

   Please contact SEN Support for advice and assistance.